Definition of Diabetic shock

Type 2 Diabetes Slideshow Quiz: Are You At Risk for Diabetic Nerve Pain? Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow

Diabetic shock: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) associated with diabetes. Symptoms include a sweet, chemical odor on the patient's breath that is similar to that of acetone or alcohol ("acetone breath"), fatigue, light-headedness or fainting, and often reddening of the skin if the patient is Caucasian. Immediate treatment is administration of glucose in a prescription sub-lingual form, or even in the form of hard candy if nothing else is available. Patients with diabetes and their families should learn the early warning signs of hypoglycemia and carry glucose tablets for emergency use. Patients in a state of diabetic shock should also be evaluated medically immediately after emergency treatment. Changes in diet, medication, or insulin administration can then be used to prevent future episodes.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• diphenhydramine, Benadryl - Explains the medication diphenhydramine (Benadryl), a drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - Read about the Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) procedure used to reflect underlying heart conditions such as agnina, occurance of a prior heart attack or of an evolving heart attack, and more.
• Pneumonia - Learn pneumonia symptoms, causes, treatment, signs, diagnosis and types: viral and bacterial (Pneumocystis carinii, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae).

Read more Shock related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Swine Flu Can Move Quickly to Severe Illness
• Health Tip: Treating a Superficial Cut
• Help for High-Risk Heart Attacks
• Genes May Affect Complications After Heart Surgery